Unique Shore Excursions
Posted: Monday, July 26, 2010
by Anita Dunham-Potter
Are you tired of the same old shore excursions? Do you yearn for something more exciting than a shopping trip or more enriching than a beach break? Today cruise lines have dramatically enhanced the scope and quality of their shore excursion offerings to be dazzling in their ingenuity and often breathtaking in their sense of adventure. Forget passive sightseeing from a bus and be prepared to be immersed in activities unique to the destination.
For cruise travelers that want the view from above there are numerous sky high options. Passengers sailing to South America can trek around the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, located in Peru some 14,000 feet above sea level.
Guests sailing into Stockholm, Sweden can get a bird's eye view of the city with a rooftop walking tour while cruisers to the land Down Under can partake in the "Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb" located 400 feet above Sydney harbor. From the top of this Australian icon, visitors can see the equally famous Sydney Opera House and the entire city spread out below.
Easy and rough rides
Four wheels not your style? No problem. Guests want two-wheeled fun can become an Easy Rider' in a number of ports in a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Cruisers from Alaska to the Caribbean can now be in hog heaven' with sightseeing tours under the direction of a local Harley gang leader (aka tour guide).Motorcycle too tame for you? Go four-wheeling into Dubai's desert. Head off across the sand and dunes where the destination is an Arabian campsite complete with camel rides, a barbeque lunch and belly dancing.
Animal attractions
If you've always wanted to ride on a dogsled in Alaska you may be surprised to learn that such an activity is available in, of all places, Jamaica. Yes, passengers calling at Ochos Rios, Jamaica may sign up for the "Chukka-Jamaica Dog Sled Ride." The sled dogs are not purebred huskies, but dogs that were rescued from local animal shelters. They'll eagerly pull your wheeled sled around a Jamaican farm.
Get in touch with your inner jockey and experience the world of harness racing in New Zealand. Become immersed in the world of harness racing as owners, bettors, and even harness race drivers. Outfitted in racing silks, the driver actually takes his or her place in the race lineup for a thrilling experience as the race is called by the track's master of ceremonies and captured on video for posterity.
Snorkeling in Alaska? Yes, you can in Ketchikan, where thanks to a warm current, long summer days where the water temperatures reach a surprising 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Don a state-of-the-art wetsuit and discover the myriad of fish that inhabit these waters. Snorkel over a kelp forest to observe and handle a variety of multicolored sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers, and the giant sunflower star.Take a walk on the wild side and visit the endangered Sumatran elephants at Taro Elephant Safari Park in Bali. Tour the park's museum, view the elephant bathing pool, and help feed these gentle giants. The highlight is a 35-minute elephant walk through the local countryside. The growing list of unique shore excursions is so wide-ranging that you're guaranteed to find something that floats your boat and provide great memories you'll remember for years.
Anita Dunham-Potter writes cruise travel articles for Princess Cruises.
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